Are You Selling a House with Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant species that can cause structural damage to buildings, leading to concern for those buying a house with Japanese knotweed.
At Knotweed Specialists UK, we offer Japanese knotweed management services for those looking to sell their home whilst navigating the legal and financially impactful implications.
Our process begins with a thorough Japanese knotweed site survey to assess the extent of the infestation. Based on this evaluation, we develop a personalised management plan specifically designed for your property.
Our approach involves targeted herbicide treatments or injection applications directly to the knotweed stems. This method effectively controls the plant’s growth while minimising the environmental and financial impact.
Where is Japanese Knotweed Found?
Japanese knotweed, originally from East Asia, has now spread to various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, it is particularly prevalent and can be found in both urban and rural areas, including gardens, parks, wastelands, riverbanks, and roadsides.
Once established, Japanese knotweed can quickly colonise and spread upon residential properties in driveways, concrete and garden landscapes. Its resilient nature allows it to exploit weaknesses in structures, such as cracks in foundations and walls, causing potential damage that can be costly to repair.
Rules and Regulations When Selling Your Property
Whilst it is possible to sell a house with Japanese knotweed, it can impact the value of your property between 5-15%. This is because it can become difficult to secure a mortgage from mortgage lenders, thereby restricting potential buyers to those who have the necessary cash for the purchase.
It is crucial to address the presence of Japanese knotweed, as it can impact the sale process and the property’s value. Taking proactive measures to manage and treat the infestation, along with providing transparent disclosure to those buying a house with Japanese knotweed, can help facilitate a successful sale.
The Process When Selling a House with Japanese Knotweed
1. Book a Site Survey
When selling a property with Japanese knotweed the first step you will need to take is to book a Japanese knotweed survey. During the site survey, our surveyors will thoroughly identify Japanese knotweed, assess the extent of the infestation, and evaluate any risks to your property.
We will then prepare a detailed survey report, including photographs and a site plan, outlining the infestation’s severity, treatment options, and recommended management strategies.
This report will provide you with valuable information for addressing the Japanese knotweed problem effectively, ready to sell your home.
2. Disclose its Presence
Sellers are legally required to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed to potential buyers when completing the Law Society’s TA6 form. This form serves as a standard document used in property transactions and includes specific questions regarding Japanese knotweed.
Failing to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed can have serious legal consequences, underlining the importance of fulfilling this obligation during the selling process.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, causing or allowing Japanese knotweed to spread into the wild is considered an offence. To ensure compliance with these legal obligations, it is crucial to consult with both your real estate agent and legal advisor.
3. Contact Our Team
If Japanese knotweed is identified on your property, we recommend promptly taking action. Engage with our reputable Japanese knotweed specialists to discuss treatment options.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, various methods of knotweed removal such as herbicide treatment or stem injection may be recommended.
4. Inform Your Insurance Provider
When selling a home with Japanese knotweed, it’s important to inform your insurance provider. Some policies may cover liabilities related to Japanese knotweed, such as structural damage and treatment costs.
Notifying your insurance provider can determine if your policy includes such coverage, providing reassurance during the selling process. This transparency and adherence to policy requirements can help prevent coverage disputes and foster a positive relationship with your insurer.
Keep in mind that coverage for Japanese knotweed varies among insurance providers, so reviewing your policy or consulting with your insurance provider directly is advisable to understand the extent of coverage when selling a home affected by Japanese knotweed.
Why choose us?
We are experts in our field
Knotweed Specialists expertly treat Japanese knotweed for those looking to sell their property by identifying and controlling it. We do not provide a host of gardening services, we are not ‘a jack-of-all-trades business’, we specialise in what we are the best at – managing knotweed solutions.
We offer a bespoke and personal service
Being a smaller company enables us to know all our customers individually and provide them with a bespoke approach to their problems. The management team are involved at every stage of your customer experience, so a professional experience is guaranteed.
We are competitively priced
We understand that when it comes to selling your property, it can be a stressful time. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing all our customers with a sustainable knotweed solution at an exceptionally competitive price, along with a site survey.
Effective Japanese Knotweed Management for Those Looking to Sell
Selling a house with Japanese knotweed requires careful planning, transparency, and professional guidance. Our PCA and City & Guilds certified technicians are fully equipped to tackle any infestation, regardless of size. With years of experience within the industry and the ability to eliminate this invasive species using various sustainable Japanese knotweed control methods, we come with the knowledge and expertise to deliver tailored Japanese knotweed solutions.
We are here to collaborate with surveyors, specialists, estate agents, and legal advisors to address the issue and reassure potential buyers to get your property sold quickly!
Japanese knotweed removal
Japanese knotweed surveys
Japanese knotweed management
A Customer Success Story
We recently completed a residential Japanese knotweed removal at a property in Rowlands Castle. The homeowners understood the implications associated with Japanese knotweed when trying to sell their property and called out the team for a comprehensive site survey and assessment which led to employing a stem injection treatment to combat the infestation, through a targeted and environmentally friendly approach.
Our team also encouraged the homeowners to complete The Law Society’s TA6 Property Information Form when selling their property. This form provides all potential buyers with relevant information demonstrating that their property is no longer infested with Japanese knotweed.
